Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Pakistan Arms Deal Signals Dangerous New Phase in Sudan War
Sudan is in a serious war involving the army, militias and other armed groups.
A parade in Khartoum showed 100 armoured vehicles made in Pakistan.
The vehicles are called Mohafiz-Vs.
A report says they may be part of a much larger defence deal worth about $1.5 billion.
The possible deal could also include drones, aircraft parts and air-defence equipment.
These weapons might make Sudan’s army stronger in some areas.
That could make the fighting harder to stop.
The report says countries should find out who is paying for and delivering the weapons.
It also says Sudan needs peace efforts instead of becoming a place for outside powers to compete.
A Sudanese Armed Forces parade in Khartoum displayed 100 Pakistani-made Mohafiz-V armoured vehicles.
The reported defence arrangement between Pakistan and Sudan is estimated at approximately $1.5 billion.
Regional reports and intelligence assessments may indicate additional drones, aircraft parts and air-defence systems are included.
The equipment could strengthen the Sudanese Armed Forces and alter the military balance in parts of Sudan.
The report urges greater transparency and warns that foreign military support could prolong the conflict and hinder peace efforts.
- Who
- The Sudanese Armed Forces, Pakistan and other external actors are identified in connection with the reported military arrangement.
- What
- A parade displayed 100 Pakistani-made Mohafiz-V armoured vehicles, amid reports of a broader defence package for Sudan.
- When
- The articles do not provide a specific date for the parade or deliveries.
- Where
- The vehicles appeared in a Sudanese Armed Forces military parade in Khartoum, Sudan; the equipment is intended for battlefields including Darfur and Kordofan.
- Why
- The reported transfers could rebuild the Sudanese Armed Forces’ conventional capabilities, potentially affect the military balance and make diplomatic efforts to end the war more difficult.
- Vehicles displayed
- 100 Pakistani-made Mohafiz-V armoured vehicles
- Estimated arrangement
- Approximately $1.5 billion
- Displayed in
- A Sudanese Armed Forces parade in Khartoum
- Possible additional equipment
- Shahpar-2 reconnaissance and attack drones, loitering munitions, K-8 Karakorum aircraft spare parts and Chinese-made air-defence platforms
- Potential impact
- The equipment could reinforce Sudanese Armed Forces capabilities and change the military balance in key areas
- Report’s recommendation
- The United States and partners should seek greater transparency over weapons transfers and their financing
- Conflict setting
- Sudan’s war involves armies, local armed groups, militias and competing external interests